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Lesson learnt re counter-attacks

Roberto Martinez believes Everton's performance at Chelsea showed they have learnt their lesson from the derby defeat to Liverpool in that they were not caught out on the counter-attack.

Martinez was bitterly disappointed to see all of the Blues' good work undone by a lapse in concentration with the game nearly over but the Everton manager says he can take much from the wreckage of defeat.

Asked if it hurt more to be beaten after playing so well, as opposed to being “out-played” in the derby at Anfield, Martinez said: “I don't think we were outplayed (against Liverpool). What I think we showed on Saturday is that we learned a lot from the derby. We never got caught on the counter-attack.

“We had an incredible level of understanding. We had defensive balance and we are a more mature team. The performance was very pleasing. The next step is to make sure that when you play better than the opposition, you get three points.”

Martinez added: “My players were magnificent. If you are looking from a technical and tactical point of view, I thought our performance deserved three points. That's what we need to work on.

“You need to adapt to the quality of Chelsea. What pleases me more than anything is the concentration, the work ethic and the tactical awareness of the players. It was magnificent. Chelsea didn't really have a threat from open play and I thought we were the ones who were getting in to good positions to break Chelsea down. The first-half was as good as we have played this season.

“If we had been a bit more cuter in our counter-attacking situations, we would have got something. But it gives me more satisfaction than anger. It gives me confidence that if we keep working, we have something to aim for. We have gone eye-to-eye with a team like Chelsea. That is the direction we want to go in.”

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post

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